Controller

Crawford Thomas Recruiting; Galion (OH); On-site; USD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Crawford Thomas Recruiting is seeking a seasoned Controller in Galion, OH to lead accounting and finance for a precision manufacturing organization. You will manage GAAP reporting, cost accounting, internal controls, and treasury functions while guiding a four-person accounting team.

The ideal candidate brings 10+ years in manufacturing finance, strong cost accounting expertise, and the ability to partner with Operations and executive leadership to drive profitability and financial accuracy.

Qualifications

• Requires 10+ years of progressive accounting experience in manufacturing.
• Experience with cost accounting including standard costing, variance analysis, inventory valuation, and labor/burden allocation.
• Strong GAAP knowledge and financial reporting experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead all accounting and finance operations, including general ledger, month-end close, and financial reporting.
• Oversee cost accounting activities, BOMs, routings, and inventory valuation; analyze production costs and margins.
• Drive ERP and financial system accuracy, data integrity, and reporting capabilities; implement process improvements.

Skills

Leadership

Cost accounting

GAAP

Financial analysis

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance/Business

CPA preferred

Tools

ERP systems

Excel

Finance software

Job description

CONTROLLER

Location: Galion, OH

Job Type: Full-Time, Onsite

Compensation: $100,000–$125,000 + Discretionary Bonus

Benefits: Full Benefits

Reports To: President / Leadership Team

Direct Reports: 4

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Controller to lead accounting and finance operations for a well-established precision manufacturing organization. This role will oversee financial reporting, cost accounting, internal controls, cash flow, ERP systems, and accounting team leadership. The ideal candidate will have 10+ years of progressive accounting experience in a manufacturing environment, with strong expertise in cost accounting and the ability to partner closely with Operations and company leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management & Reporting

• Lead all accounting and finance operations, including general ledger maintenance, month-end close, financial statement preparation, and cost accounting.
• Prepare accurate monthly and annual GAAP-compliant financial reports for company leadership and ownership.
• Maintain strong internal controls across accounting processes, financial reporting, and asset management.
• Effectively manage cash flow to support liquidity and working capital requirements.

Cost Accounting

• Lead cost accounting activities, including standard cost development, variance analysis, labor and burden allocation, and inventory valuation.
• Partner with Operations to analyze production costs, scrap, efficiencies, and margin performance.
• Maintain accurate bills of materials, routings, and cost models to support pricing and profitability.
• Oversee physical inventory counts, cycle counts, and inventory reconciliation.

Systems, Processes & Continuous Improvement

• Oversee ERP and financial system accuracy, data integrity, and reporting functionality.
• Drive process improvements to increase efficiency, accuracy, and transparency across accounting workflows.
• Support the implementation of new systems, tools, and financial reporting enhancements.

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead and develop a team of four accounting professionals, ensuring accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Provide coaching, training, and performance management to strengthen department capabilities.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with HR, Operations, Purchasing, and Engineering.

Strategic & Operational Partnership

• Serve as a key financial advisor to the President and leadership team.
• Provide financial insight into operational performance, cost drivers, and financial risks and opportunities.
• Partner with Operations and other departments to support informed business and profitability decisions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field required.
• 10+ years of progressive accounting experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong cost accounting experience, including standard costing, variance analysis, inventory valuation, and labor/burden allocation.
• Experience with manufacturing financial processes, including BOMs, routings, inventory, and production costs.
• Proven experience building, leading, and developing accounting teams.
• Strong understanding of GAAP and financial reporting.
• Experience with ERP and financial systems and a demonstrated ability to improve accounting processes.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication abilities.
• CPA preferred, but not required.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

• Experienced manufacturing accounting leader who understands both financial reporting and plant-level cost drivers.
• Comfortable partnering directly with Operations and executive leadership.
• Strong hands-on knowledge of cost accounting and manufacturing finance.
• Able to lead a team while remaining actively involved in accounting operations.
• Process-oriented with a focus on improving financial accuracy, efficiency, and visibility.

WHY JOIN THE TEAM?

This is an opportunity to take a leadership role within an established precision manufacturing organization, with direct visibility to company leadership and ownership. The Controller will have a meaningful impact on financial reporting, cost management, operational performance, and the continued development of the accounting function.